I know many people think Made-in-Japan is better. I used to think this wasn't really true. I thought even if outsourced to factories elsewhere in Asia, still would have Japanese QC standards. But I think I've changed my mind.
Take Casio cameras, for example. Their EXILIM cameras used to be made in Japan, and they did feel decidedly more "solid" than the current made in China ones. Even their latest models felt kinda "cheap" to the touch. Only their EX-P505 and (I assume) EX-P707 are still made in Japan. Panasonic's FX-series (as far as I know) and Canon's IXUS series cameras are also made in Japan and they feel solid as well, so I think it's no longer just a coincidence.
But then again, the Konica Minolta Dynax 7D is made in Malaysia and people seem very pleased with it. Probably KM specified higher QC standards for this camera, since it's their flagship model. I have a Dynax 60 film camera, also made in M'sia, and its shutter button jammed just barely after a year of very light use!